The Conference has a range of different session formats, intended to give each topic an appropriate expression, and to provide a varied and interactive timetable for the delegates.  Our sessions are intended to be lively, interactive and short. Our plenary programme is normally dominated by dynamic panels, interviews and debates, rather than simple presentations (although these are also included and often popular). Most plenary sessions are a 45-minute or 60-minute slot, followed by a workshop breakout or a conversation break lasting about an hour. Our Lightning Talks, which take place during the conversation breaks, are strictly limited to just 5 minutes each, as we have found that this is the optimum duration to convey the significance of an announcement or issue, and allows us to schedule a wide choice of talks.

Currently, we have eight session formats, within three main session types, summarised below and with links to more detailed information:

• • Plenaries (including Keynotes, Presentations, Panels, Discussions, Interviews and Debates)
  • Workshops (typically a choice from about 5 different topics)
  • Lightning Talks (optional very brief presentations)

Please think about how your proposed topic would best fit into our programme, and craft your proposal to fit the most appropriate session format, guided by the examples below.

• • Conveying specialist knowledge:
    a keynote or expert presentation, a group of presentations, or an interview with one or more experts.
  • Discussing different opinions on a complex topic:
    a roundtable discussion, or an interview with one or more experts.
  • Arguing points of view about a clear binary issue:
    a formal debate, with speakers for and against a well-defined proposition.
  • Exploring a complex problem in detail:
    a collaborative workshop for structured discussion amongst all participants, with expert facilitation.
  • Announcing news, promoting a product or highlighting an issue:
    a lightning talk, where the issue can be raised and relevant resources shared.

A table summarising the various formats is shown here:

Page created 9 July 2024, slightly updated 24 June 2025